Leeds United would face battle with Benfica for Robin Koch according to latest reports

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Leeds United were linked with plenty of players in the January transfer window. Of course, the sheer amount of names mentioned highlights the fact not all of them would have seriously been on the Whites’ radar. 

One who it appears definitely was, however, is German defender Robin Koch. 

During an interview with the Yorkshire Evening Post director of football Victor Orta revealed a scouting report on the Freiburg defender. 

Whilst not confirmation of any interest in the January transfer window, there is no doubt Koch is a player on Leeds United’s radar. 

Unfortunately, it seems Koch has plenty of admirers, including in Portugal. 

Benfica are now set to make a move for the player in the summer, according to reports. Record is reporting that The Eagles are hopeful of a deal for the player, who would join countryman Julian Weigl at the Stadium of Light. A Bola suggests a transfer fee in the region of €17 million (£15 million) for the two-cap German international. 

Leeds United’s interest in Koch does not seem to be far along. Instead, it appears he is simply on Orta’s database.

But, should Leeds win promotion to the Premier League, a player of Koch’s quality would suddenly become a desirable and attainable asset. That would certainly be the case should Leeds fail to secure loanee Ben White to a permanent deal. 

Koch, however, would not come cheap. The Premier League money would undoubtedly help but A Bola’s report also suggests a £40,000-a-week salary for the German. That would make him Leeds top-earner, with Kiko Casilla currently the best-paid at Elland Road on a reported (YEP’s Inside Elland Road podcast) £35,000-a-week. 

Benfica are already chasing Koch, could afford the fee and wages whilst also offering European football next term. On top of that, the presence of Weigl and former Germany youth international Odyseas Vlachodimos would make settling in in Lisbon easy for the 23-year-old.

Leeds’ interest in Koch should be viewed positively by Leeds fans. He is a top talent that would improve the club massively, in the Premier League or Championship. But Benfica clearly have the upper hand. Undoubtedly, Orta will have a whole host of other names on his scouting report for Leeds fans to get excited about.